Accessibility Links

Gareth Southgate to leave FA after turning down technical director role

July 20 2012, 1:37pm, The Times

Southgate was the leading contender for the FA's technical director roleMartin Rickett/PA Wire

Gareth Southgate has turned down the chance to become the FA’s technical director and is leaving the governing body.

The former Middlesbrough manager, who has been head of elite development over the past 18 months, has withdrawn from the running to take over the top job in English football.

Southgate, 41, has long been considered the outstanding favourite for the new role, which is being reintroduced to coincide with the opening of St George’s Park, the £100 million National Football Centre near Burton-upon-Trent in Staffordshire.

The former England defender fulfilled his initial mission with the FA - working closely with Sir Trevor Brooking, the director of football development, Les Howie and Nick Levett, heads of grassroots football development and youth and mini soccer respectively - in May…